Do bring your National Parks pass if you have one, it'll get you in for free. Budget a minimum of 2 hours, ideally 3 to see everything here. It's slow going because of the great interpretive signage that you will want to read. Do watch the introductory movie before you start with the exhibits, it'll give you a lot of context. Don't rush through the exhibits, and do as many of the hands-on activities you have time for. The centerpiece is the life-sized model of the crew hauling a dugout up a hill that stretches over several floors. The detail is incredible. When you are done take the short river walk over to Giant Springs - they are very close together and the walk is really pleasant. read more

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The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is a great place to learn more about the area of Great Falls Montana, and the historical events that took place here. The museum is filled with visuals and descriptive accounts of the struggling journey L&C went thought to get to the west coast. Using the best learning modalities and very detailed historical stories, helps anyone clueless about what happened here. This is a must stop for those in the L&C trail, heading to Oregon. We loved the staff, for being so friendly and helping the kids. We enjoyed every part of the museum. Spend at least 2 hours here. There is a lot to see. read more

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This is the best of the two or three other Lewis and Clark Interpretive Centers we have seen. Lots more detail - all of it interesting. Prepare to give yourself plenty of time. The staff was very helpful and cheerful. read more

Only reason it isn't a five is because the movie portion of the museum wasn't working, no fault of anyone's. It's beautiful

What a wonder.....this center was amazing. Free admission in January and February which was nice. The volunteers and tour guides were friendly and knowledgable. This was a walk back through history with beautiful views. There are indoor and outdoor activities. There is a 20 minute free movie for history buffs. I was impressed. We were able to see all five falls. There is a gift shop. Handicap accessible and plenty of parking in a lot. We enjoyed ourselves. read more

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Definitely make time for this if you are near Great Falls. I learned so much, and I actually had a really good chunk of American history in school. Those old explorers were sure tough! Fascinating look at western expansion and the different cultures and trade practices of the people that lived at that time. read more

Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center - Museums Near Me - Great Falls, Montana

We had a good time at the museum. The film was informative. There are a lot of displays in the museum. I would have loved to have taken the walk along the river to the falls overlooks but it was in the mid 90's when we were there so that was a big no. I would recommend coming here and learning the history of the expedition. read more

Right inside the park inside had lots of history and the story of Lewis and Clark. Worth stopping read more

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There isn't a ton to see here, but I am going to round up to 4 stars because the people were great and it is American history. There is a cost to get into the center, but if you have a National Parks pass it is waived since they are managed by the NPS. The displays start by taking you to St Louis in the spring of 1804. As you move from room to room the time takes you up river to each different encounter. I especially liked the part where they cross the Rocky Mountains and how they change the path to reflect this. I would not go out of my way to visit, but if close by I would stop. What did I learn today? A confirmation to my children that I say Sacagawea's name correctly (Sa-cog-a-we-a). read more

Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center - The correct pronunciation - Museums Near Me - Great Falls, Montana

This museum is so cool. We've been a few times now, and always learn something new. The first time we visited, they featured an ancient weapons historian who was so kind about sharing his knowledge and demonstrating how each weapon was used. Last time, a service dog Newfoundland was there to greet people and to help people understand who Seaman, L&Cs dog, was and how big he was! The museum itself is incredibly curated. I love the language display and the massive windows that overlook the river. There's a lot of text--read it all. It's packed with gems! Can't wait to come back again soon! read more

One of the nicest Interpretive Centers we've ever visited. We saved the $8 entry fee by using our Senior NP pass. If you have ever wanted to learn the true story about the Lewis & Clark expedition this is the place to visit. It is all set up in phases, with 6,500 square feet of exhibit space, so it takes you from the start and the reason for the journey all the way to the finish. The various phases are in rooms with historical facts on the wall with simulated artifacts and things to really tell you the story. There is also a large theater that show two films alternately. There is also a nice gift shop. It is amazing and if you are anywhere near take the time to visit. It is more than worth the price. If you have the time there is a beautiful walk that will take you down to the river. It's an easy walk down but, remember that you have to come back uphill. read more

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This is a fantastic place to visit, for all ages. They tell the whole story of the Lewis & Clark Expedition in the exhibits, along with very informative films. There is a Junior Ranger packet for the kids, and a scavenger hunt. If you're in Central Montana, don't miss it! read more

This is a very well done interpretive center that gives you one of the more complete histories of the expedition. There is plenty of hands on activities that will help to keep the kids engaged. Staffed with volunteers, you can tell the team here is very passionate about their work. The facility is also meticulously maintained, just all in all a great place to visit for a great story. read more

Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center - Portaging Great Falls - Museums Near Me - Great Falls, Montana

This is one of the more interactive museums i have ever been to. Great way to learn about that period of time and the journey that Lewis and Clark embarked on with their Corps of discovery. There are rooms and rooms of clothing, stuffed animals, replicas of weapons and tools, visual and audio boards to learn interesting tid-bits Definitely a place for all ages :) read more

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So glad I visited ... terrific location overlooking the river, as others have said. Well done exhibit , really explained a lot to me, nice interactive pieces for the kids. Super clear chronology and context of the evolving journey. And now I know why it's called Great Falls! read more

The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center is one of the most amazing places to visit during your stay in Montana. From the buffalo statues to the massive display of portaging canoes, this museum will have you awestruck for at least a good three hours. One of the most interesting aspects of the museum is the map of the world, where people from all corners of the Earth leave their mark upon visiting. Of course, my party couldn't resist placing a red pin on Armenia. In addition to the mazes upon mazes of history displayed throughout the museum, there is also a theatre where you can watch and listen to movies and lectures about the Lewis and Clark expedition. My favorite part of my visit was when my friends and I dressed up in the many outfits, including Native Americans and soldier uniforms, and took pictures. Another fun thing to do is measure how many miles you have the strength to canoe a day (in the Lewis and Clark canoes, of course!). You basically tug on this rope and the miles are displayed. I scored a whopping nine! Haha. While the museum is massive enough to get lost in for many hours, the gift store is a bit lacking. I would highly recommend it to be bigger with a wider variety of souvenirs. At any rate, my visit here was truly an experience I will never forget. Hats off to Great Falls, Montana! read more

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A very thorough review of the Lewis & Clark expedition and although there was an attempt to balance European & Native American viewpoints during that time--it inevitably is more European-centric. I give them kudos for attempting but I wish there had been a bit more. Otherwise, as I said, a very thorough museum with very friendly staff. read more

Informative. Even with the limited collection available due to Covid, worthwhile exhibit to check out.

A small but focused museum that attempts to balance European American and Native American perspectives on the Lewis and Clark expedition. The exhibits are roughly chronological with a lot of detail about the technical and geographical aspects of the trip (portaging, supplying, navigation, climate, wildlife, and so on). Another area of focus is anthropological information about indigenous tribes the expedition encountered and Native oral history of those encounters. Kids might enjoy the interactive aspects of the museum (playing dress-up, tying Hidatsa rope harnesses on a horse head) and various discussion questions throughout the exhibit. The volunteers are exceptionally enthusiastic. All of them have a passionate interest in the history of the Great Falls area and a keen desire to help visitors discover new information. The museum also shows two informative short films repeatedly throughout the day (followed by short slideshow talks by volunteers) and stages various special events. On the day I visited, there was an outdoors demonstration of antique black powder rifles. While I enjoyed the mostly well-written exhibits, and the collection of objects is interesting, the museum does have some deficiencies. The Native voices could use more emphasis; while some features talk about modern Great Falls in terms of how the river looks, the modern life of Montana indigenous peoples is not well-highlighted. The museum would do well to enhance the small section at the end with more information about the continuance and vibrancy of Native cultures. And as another reviewer mentioned, the gift shop is small. Other than that, the museum is a good way to spend a few hours in Great Falls. If you have a National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass, admission is free. read more

Great place to take the kids! Amazing set up. Our kids 3 and 8 had a blast walking though and learning!!

Must stop in Great Falls, primarily because there is little else to do. Fun time, nice people.

This is worth a drive to Great Falls. The facility is beautiful and the historical walk with Lewis & Clark brought their history and those with them to life. The staff was very helpful and knowledgeable. read more

Well worth the time you spend here. More about Lewis & Clark than you ever knew and an eager and knowledgeable staff that will help you through the place. If you are interested in history, or American expansion, this is a don't miss place. read more

Very cool place to take the kids and get some culture and history. Montana has a lot to offer.